Over the last 20 years, the number of single mothers in Malaysia has more than doubled, and this has raised concerns about financial hardship and the welfare of the family. Government figures indicate that the number increased from 130,249 in 2000 to 341,784 in 2020. Many of these women belong to low-income households and continue to face difficulties as living costs increase across the country.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the trend is worrying because many single mothers remain vulnerable to economic challenges. She explained that unstable jobs, low wages, and limited employment benefits often place these families at greater risk. The pressure can affect both the physical and mental well-being of mothers while also creating difficulties for their children.
Poverty Risks Remain High
Research by DM Analytics found that many female-headed households struggled during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Research director Dr. Zouhair Rosli said the unemployment rate among female-headed households reached 16 percent in 2021, more than three times the national average.
The study also showed that many single mothers earned only about RM1,300 a month (approximately S$395). According to the UNICEF-commissioned “Families on the Edge” study, six out of ten female-headed households were living in poverty in 2021. A follow-up study in 2023 found that the situation had changed very little.
Food insecurity is another major concern. Nearly three in five single mothers surveyed said their children ate fewer than three meals a day. Researchers warned that poor nutrition could affect children’s health, education, and future job opportunities.
Seeking Better Opportunities
In the public housing areas of Kuala Lumpur, it was found that many single mothers were not in need of handouts from others during field visits. Rather, they sought to have good jobs and good salaries. To adjust to increased expenses, some worked harder or cut back on food purchases, turned to personal savings, or borrowed from relatives and friends.
Support programs were also found to be dispersed and hard to access across various agencies, researchers noted. They requested increased assistance with living income, childcare services, and jobs for families to attain long-term stability.
Government Expands Support
The Malaysian government retains its support for vulnerable households while continuing to enhance the support, it has been reported. The 2025 budget provides for RM3.1 billion (approximately S$940 million) from the Social Welfare Department to help support some 560,000 recipients, including single mothers.
Single mothers may be able to get financial support of up to RM200 – RM1000 per month (roughly S$60 – S$300). They can also participate in programs like Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah. The Kasih Ibu Tunggal program also provides training on legal knowledge, financial management, and personal development to support the employment and business potential of the women in the long term.
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